Is Arabic Information on YouTube About Erectile Dysfunction Based on Scientific Evidence?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Education
• Digital Health

Background:

• Online medical education is vital for public health literacy and physician effectiveness.
• Ensuring the trustworthiness of online medical content is crucial for users.
• Patients need to identify reliable sources for medical information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the scientific quality of Arabic-language YouTube videos concerning erectile dysfunction.
• To understand the nature of online health information accessible to patients.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of YouTube for Arabic videos on erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and impotence was conducted.
• Videos were collected without a time limit up to January 1, 2023.
• Video quality was assessed using the Kappa score.

Main Results:

• The study analyzed videos with an average of 2,627,485 views.
• A Kappa index of 0.86 indicated high inter-rater reliability (p <0.001).
• Only 16% of videos were scientifically evidence-based (SEB), while 84% were not (NSEB) (p <0.001).
• NSEB videos focused on natural remedies and lifestyle, whereas SEB videos covered pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatments.

Conclusions:

• Misleading information about erectile dysfunction is prevalent on social media.
• This research can aid urological and technical oversight.
• Guidance is needed to direct patients toward credible men's health resources.